A lot can happen in a year, as we know! Even if you have completed the Modelo 720 asset declaration form in the past it may need reviewing now. The deadline to submit the form, either as a new declaration or an amended one, is March 31st.

If you have recently moved to Spain you need to declare your assets in another country. This is not a form for paying taxes but simply one on which you declare any property, savings or other assets such as pension plans and stocks and shares.

If you have previously submitted the form but your circumstances have altered then the form will need to be updated. This includes if your assets have changed by €20,000 or more. You can find the full list of reasons in the article:

 

Buying a property from another country

Gema Sánchez from the legal department explains how you can continue to deal with your Spanish paperwork whilst still living in another country. She describes how the power of attorney can help you complete your transactions without even being in the country:

We look forward to hearing from you

Just a quick reminder that we are available for appointments at our Alicante and Torrevieja offices, Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 18:00 hours. Please request an appointment in advance. If you cannot travel to our offices you can always contact us by phone 0034 966 703 750, by email info@abacoadvisers.com or request a digital appointment through online chat services such as Skype or Zoom.

ÁbacoClub

ÁbacoClub is still behind closed doors but anxious as ever to keep in touch. Remember to check out the web site for our latest articles. 

Perhaps you are thinking wistfully about your summer holidays or you are a Spanish home owner who just hasn’t been able to take full advantage of your property this year. Whatever your situation, what is it that you miss most about spending time in Spain?

In this article ‘What do you miss when you’re not in Spain?’ we share 10 aspects of the country and the Spanish lifestyle that you might be missing too. Hopefully, it won’t be for very much longer:

Living in Calpe

Have you ever been to Calpe? Or perhaps you live there? It’s in the heart of the Costa Blanca region of Alicante and known for its huge rock - the Peñón de Ifach which stands out on the horizon. You’ll also find here a traditional old town, beaches, a port and a selection of fine restaurants. If you’d like to know more about this interesting and accessible part of Spain, read David Ruiz’ 2021 Guide to the town:

 
Living in Calpe Spain: The 2021 Guide

Documents to prove residency

There continues to be some confusion about what will be accepted at Spanish airports to allow you into the country to show you are a resident here. According to this article from El País in English, a new list has been produced that should make it easier for people to gain access. It should be noted, however, that since this was published on 18th February the travel ban from some countries has been extended to 15th March:

 
UK travelers to Spain offered alternatives to prove residency

It’s a phrase often associated with people who come to live in Spain. Many people during their lifetime imagine what it would be like to live in a country where a blue sky is more of a regular occurrence. But does the dream always live up to the expectation?

This article from The Local, publicises a book available on Amazon that recounts the experiences of 10 women who took the decision to move to Spain:

Are we #LivingTheDream? What’s the truth behind ‘expat’ life

If you enjoy reading about real life experiences of those who have taken the plunge you can also try reading our locally sourced book ‘New beginnings in Spain’. This charts the experiences of four couples as they make the decision to leave their home towns in the UK and settle in Spain. The book is available in Kindle version:

New beginnings in Spain: The experiences of expats moving to the Costa Blanca 

2021 might not be a complete wash out

There’s hope emerging that travel restrictions could ease for the summer. With the UK having announced its road map for opening up again and Spain’s figures going down, there is room for optimism. There’s even the suggestion that some festivals might be allowed to go ahead. They aren’t the ones where huge crowds are expected but still, it’s a step in the right direction.

This is perhaps one for your diary if you live in or around Córdoba. Their Patio Festival is still set to take place from 3rd- 16th May. The competition is on UNESCO’s cultural heritage list. So, if you like looking at pretty patios, it could be one for you:

 
Córdoba Patio Festival To Run From 3-16 May, Covid-19 Permitting

Let the bookings begin

There is hope now that Spain will be accessible over the summer and its residents and non-residents able to enjoy all it has to offer again. Already the bookings are coming in for flights particularly to Malaga, Alicante and Mallorca. If you’re hoping that relatives might come out to visit or you’re anxious to make the most of your holiday home, you’d be wise to check out the flight situation now. Staycations might have been trending in 2020 but there’s no doubt that people are missing Spain:

 
Holiday bookings surge with Spain as a top destination, after UK’s plans to relax lockdown

Something to do whilst you wait

Whilst you’re waiting, after all things haven’t really opened up too much yet, you might want to make the most of the peace and quiet and leisure opportunities that exist now. Eurotourguide may not be out and about exactly but in their latest newsletter they recommend some cycling and walking paths in the Costa Blanca that you might like to explore while you can. You can also watch them follow the route themselves in their video:

 
Eurotourguide Latest Newsletter

What do the penknife and the mop have in common?

They were both Spanish inventions. You can find out more about other everyday objects that started off in Spanish territory by reading this article in El País. The actual display of Spanish innovations is originally accessible on Instagram but you will get a flavour of the main inventions from this article:

 
The Museum of Comfort: a celebration of Spanish inventions the world couldn’t live without

Not just a source of vitamin C

Who would have thought that oranges could become a vital component in the bid to generate clean electricity in Seville. It’s planned that 35 tonnes of the fruit might be used to run one of the city’s water purification plants. Don’t worry they’re not snatching ripe fruit from Don Simón. These are bitter oranges that fall from the trees around the town, cluttering the pavements and proving to be somewhat of a hazard:

 
'A role model': how Seville is turning leftover oranges into electricity

Spanish TV drama

Now we have a request for you. One of our readers has asked for suggestions for what to watch on Spanish TV. We’re asking round our offices but we’d also like to hear from any of you who have come across a good series or drama that others might enjoy. Your suggestions are always welcome! 

We would welcome any suggestions for future themes you would like us to cover either in the newsletter or in an article on Spain Explained.

Please let us know by email at newsletter@abacoadvisers.com.

Thank you!